Slungshot
Encyclopedia
A slungshot is a maritime tool consisting of a weight, or "shot," affixed to the end of a long cord often by being wound into the center of a knot called a "Monkey's fist
." It is used to cast line from one location to another, often mooring line. The cord end is tied to the heavier line and the weighted end of the slungshot is thrown across the intervening space where a person picks it up and pulls the line across.
. Repeated blows can be landed by "snapping" the slungshot, rather like snapping a towel. A slungshot may be swung in a manner similar to that of a flail
.
Slungshots were widely used by criminals and street gang members in the 19th Century. They had the advantage of being easy to make, silent, and very effective, particularly against an unsuspecting opponent. This gave them a dubious reputation, similar to that carried by switchblade
knives in the 1950s, and they were outlawed in many jurisdictions. The use as a criminal weapon continued at least up until the early 1920's.
Carrying or attempting to use a Slungshot is a felony in the states of California and Oklahoma.
. Many jurisdictions' laws against "slingshots" were actually meant to refer to slungshots.
and Japan
, under different names. One variant was called "loaded sleeves," where a pair of long, flowing sleeves had weights concealed in them. According to Robert van Gulik
, the reputation of "loaded sleeves" saved some Western nuns during an anti-Western
uprising in China, when the nuns were cornered by a mob. As the nuns believed they were going to be killed, they raised their hands to pray. The crowd reacted believing them to have Loaded Sleeves. The Chinese had seen their breviaries, which they carried in the sleeves of their robes, believing the nuns to be dangerous. A path opened through the crowd, and the nuns escaped.
Monkey's fist
A monkey's fist or monkey paw is a type of knot, so named because it looks somewhat like a small bunched fist/paw. It is tied at the end of a rope to serve as a weight, making it easier to throw, and also as an ornamental knot. This type of weighted rope can be used as an improvised weapon,...
." It is used to cast line from one location to another, often mooring line. The cord end is tied to the heavier line and the weighted end of the slungshot is thrown across the intervening space where a person picks it up and pulls the line across.
As a weapon
The slungshot was often used as a civilian or improvised weapon; however, the rope length became much shorter when used as a weapon. The cord is tied around the wrist, and the weight is carried in the hand or the pocket of the user. To use, the weight is thrown into the opponent's face, rather like a yo-yoYo-yo
The yo-yo in its simplest form is an object consisting of an axle connected to two disks, and a length of twine looped around the axle, similar to a slender spool...
. Repeated blows can be landed by "snapping" the slungshot, rather like snapping a towel. A slungshot may be swung in a manner similar to that of a flail
Flail (weapon)
The flail is a hand weapon derived from the agricultural tool.The handle is attached to the striking part of a weapon by a flexible chain or cord...
.
Slungshots were widely used by criminals and street gang members in the 19th Century. They had the advantage of being easy to make, silent, and very effective, particularly against an unsuspecting opponent. This gave them a dubious reputation, similar to that carried by switchblade
Switchblade
A switchblade is a type of knife with a folding or sliding blade contained in the handle which is opened automatically by a spring when a button, lever, or switch on the handle or bolster is activated A switchblade (also known as an automatic knife, pushbutton knife, switch, Sprenger, Springer,...
knives in the 1950s, and they were outlawed in many jurisdictions. The use as a criminal weapon continued at least up until the early 1920's.
Carrying or attempting to use a Slungshot is a felony in the states of California and Oklahoma.
Other names
They were also known as "slingshots," but had nothing to do with what is now known as a slingshotSlingshot
A slingshot, shanghai, flip, bean shooter or catapult is a small hand-powered projectile weapon. The classic form consists of a Y-shaped frame held in the off hand, with two rubber strips attached to the uprights. The other ends of the strips lead back to a pocket which holds the projectile...
. Many jurisdictions' laws against "slingshots" were actually meant to refer to slungshots.
Worldwide
They were also used in ChinaChina
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
and Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, under different names. One variant was called "loaded sleeves," where a pair of long, flowing sleeves had weights concealed in them. According to Robert van Gulik
Robert van Gulik
Robert Hans van Gulik was a highly educated orientalist, diplomat, musician , and writer, best known for the Judge Dee mysteries, the protagonist of which he borrowed from the 18th-century Chinese detective novel Dee Goong An.-Life:Robert van Gulik was the son of a medical officer in the Dutch...
, the reputation of "loaded sleeves" saved some Western nuns during an anti-Western
Western world
The Western world, also known as the West and the Occident , is a term referring to the countries of Western Europe , the countries of the Americas, as well all countries of Northern and Central Europe, Australia and New Zealand...
uprising in China, when the nuns were cornered by a mob. As the nuns believed they were going to be killed, they raised their hands to pray. The crowd reacted believing them to have Loaded Sleeves. The Chinese had seen their breviaries, which they carried in the sleeves of their robes, believing the nuns to be dangerous. A path opened through the crowd, and the nuns escaped.